Avivi Siman-Tov, Director of Product Management at AlgoSec, discusses the benefits of network automation and takes us through a... Firewall Change Management Change automation: A step-by-step guide to network security policy change management Avivi Siman Tov 2 min read Avivi Siman Tov Short bio about author here Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Vitae donec tincidunt elementum quam laoreet duis sit enim. Duis mattis velit sit leo diam. Tags Share this article 10/21/21 Published Avivi Siman-Tov, Director of Product Management at AlgoSec, discusses the benefits of network automation and takes us through a step-by-step process to standardize change management In today’s fast-paced, data-driven environment, the only constant that businesses can bank on is change. For organizations to function and compete in the modern digital landscape, they need their data to be able to move freely and unobstructed through every branch of their business, unimpeded by security issues that require constant manual attention. The network is arguably the beating heart of an organization but keeping it ticking requires more maintenance than it once did, owing to constantly changing risk profiles and circumstances. That’s why a greater number of businesses are turning to change automation to bridge the gap between network alerts and the action that needs to be taken. Barriers to automation According to Gartner , organizations that can automate more than 70% of their network changes can reduce the number of outages by at least 50% and deliver services up to 50% faster. That’s because a lot of legacy solutions tend to take a reactive rather than proactive approach to dealing with security. There are multiple controls in place that simply don’t talk to each other. While most businesses get alerts from SIEM solutions and vulnerability scanners, responding to them turns into a full-time job, distracting your team from other important work they could be doing. Most organizations know that manual policy changes impact their productivity, but they’re afraid to take the leap to automation because of an ill-placed perception around security. Production environments in all organizations are maintained by different teams — for example, DevOps, maintenance, cloud security, IT, and more. Not all of these teams are educated to the same level in security matters, and some see it as a constraint that slows their work. This can lead to conflict between teams, which means that automation is not always welcome. Despite some resistance to change, enterprise-wide change automation makes it possible to transform network security policies without needing to reinvent the wheel or replace existing business processes. Automation and actionable intelligence are proven to enhance security and business agility without the stress often associated with misconfigurations caused by manual, ad-hoc processes. A typical network change workflow By elevating firewall change management from a manual, arduous task to a fully automated, zero-touch process, networks can become more agile and organizations far more adaptive. There are several steps that organizations need to take towards complete network security automation, from a simple change request through to implementation and validation. Let’s take a look at the most common steps in establishing automation for a simple change request. Step 1 – Request a network change Every change begins with a request. At this stage, you need to clarify who is asking for the amendment and why because sometimes the request is unnecessary or covered by an existing ruleset. Step 2 – Find relevant security devices Once this request is translated, the change automation platform will handle the request and implement the changes to hybrid networks. The administrator will be able to see which firewall and routing devices are involved and what impact the change will have. Step 3 – Plan change The change automation platform understands how to deal with different vendor-specific settings and how to implement the requests in a way that avoids creating any duplicates. Step 4 – Risk check The administrator will get a ‘ what if’ analysis, which checks the change for any risks. In this phase, the decision as to whether to allow the change and expose the network to the risk mentioned is in the hands of the network admin or security manager, depending on who is handling this phase. Step 5 – Push change to device Once planned changes are approved, the ‘magic’ happens. The change automation platform implements and pushes the changes to the desired devices automatically, either through APIs or directly to the device (CLI). This is a fully automated action that can be conducted on multiple devices, whether cloud-based or on-premises. The push can be done in a scheduled manner, in your maintenance window, or on-demand. Step 6 – Validate change At the end of each request, the solution will check that the request was successfully implemented across all devices. The solution also provides ongoing audits of the whole process, enabling easy checking of each stage. Step 7 – Documentation and logging Network security automation platforms can provide you with a full, automated audit trail. Documentation happens on the go, saving IT and security teams time and accelerating tedious network compliance management tasks. Put your trust in network automation While change management is complex stuff, the decision for your business is simple. It’s like the engine of an expensive car. Would you drive at high speeds if you didn’t have your brakes tested or a steering wheel to keep your course straight? Hopefully, the answer is no. With AlgoSec FireFlow , you can automate the security policy change process without introducing any element of risk, vulnerability, or compliance violation. AlgoSec FireFlow allows you to analyze every change before it is introduced, and validate successful changes as intended, all within your existing IT Service Management (ITSM) solutions . By putting your trust in us we can put you firmly in the driving seat with zero-touch change management and secure application deployment. For more information, or to arrange a demo , visit our website . Schedule a demo Related Articles Q1 at AlgoSec: What innovations and milestones defined our start to 2026? AlgoSec Reviews Mar 19, 2023 · 2 min read 2025 in review: What innovations and milestones defined AlgoSec’s transformative year in 2025? AlgoSec Reviews Mar 19, 2023 · 2 min read Navigating Compliance in the Cloud AlgoSec Cloud Mar 19, 2023 · 2 min read Speak to one of our experts Speak to one of our experts Work email* First name* Last name* Company* country* Select country... Short answer* By submitting this form, I accept AlgoSec's privacy policy Schedule a call

A Comprehensive Cloud Security Checklist for Your Cloud Environment There’s a lot to consider when securing your cloud environment. Threats range from malware to malicious attacks, and everything in between. With so many threats, a checklist of cloud security best practices will save you time. First we’ll get a grounding in the top cloud security risks and some key considerations. The Top 5 Security Risks in Cloud Computing Understanding the risks involved in cloud computing is a key first... Cloud Security Cloud Security Checklist: Key Steps and Best Practices Rony Moshkovich 2 min read Rony Moshkovich Short bio about author here Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Vitae donec tincidunt elementum quam laoreet duis sit enim. Duis mattis velit sit leo diam. Tags Share this article 7/21/23 Published A Comprehensive Cloud Security Checklist for Your Cloud Environment There’s a lot to consider when securing your cloud environment. Threats range from malware to malicious attacks, and everything in between. With so many threats, a checklist of cloud security best practices will save you time. First we’ll get a grounding in the top cloud security risks and some key considerations. The Top 5 Security Risks in Cloud Computing Understanding the risks involved in cloud computing is a key first step. The top 5 security risks in cloud computing are: 1. Limited visibility Less visibility means less control. Less control could lead to unauthorized practices going unnoticed. 2. Malware Malware is malicious software, including viruses, ransomware, spyware, and others. 3. Data breaches Breaches can lead to financial losses due to regulatory fines and compensation. They may also cause reputational damage. 4. Data loss The consequences of data loss can be severe, especially it includes customer information. 5. Inadequate cloud security controls If cloud security measures aren’t comprehensive, they can leave you vulnerable to cyberattacks. Key Cloud Security Checklist Considerations 1. Managing User Access and Privileges Properly managing user access and privileges is a critical aspect of cloud infrastructure. Strong access controls mean only the right people can access sensitive data. 2. Preventing Unauthorized Access Implementing stringent security measures, such as firewalls, helps fortify your environment. 3. Encrypting Cloud-Based Data Assets Encryption ensures that data is unreadable to unauthorized parties. 4. Ensuring Compliance Compliance with industry regulations and data protection standards is crucial. 5. Preventing Data Loss Regularly backing up your data helps reduce the impact of unforeseen incidents. 6. Monitoring for Attacks Security monitoring tools can proactively identify suspicious activities, and respond quickly. Cloud Security Checklist Understand cloud security risks Establish a shared responsibility agreement with your cloud services provider (CSP) Establish cloud data protection policies Set identity and access management rules Set data-sharing restrictions Encrypt sensitive data Employ a comprehensive data backup and recovery plan Use malware protection Create an update and patching schedule Regularly assess cloud security Set up security monitoring and logging Adjust cloud security policies as new issues emerge Let’s take a look at these in more detail. Full Cloud Security Checklist 1. Understand Cloud Security Risks 1a. Identify Sensitive Information First, identify all your sensitive information. This data could range from customer information to patents, designs, and trade secrets. 1b. Understand Data Access and Sharing Use access control measures, like role-based access control (RBAC), to manage data access. You should also understand and control how data is shared. One idea is to use data loss prevention (DLP) tools to prevent unauthorized data transfers. 1c. Explore Shadow IT Shadow IT refers to using IT tools and services without your company’s approval. While these tools can be more productive or convenient, they can pose security risks. 2. Establish a Shared Responsibility Agreement with Your Cloud Service Provider (CSP) Understanding the shared responsibility model in cloud security is essential. There are various models – IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS. Common CSPs include Microsoft Azure and AWS. 2a. Establish Visibility and Control It’s important to establish strong visibility into your operations and endpoints. This includes understanding user activities, resource usage, and security events. Using security tools gives you a centralized view of your secure cloud environment. You can even enable real-time monitoring and prompt responses to suspicious activities. Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) or cloud-native security tools can be useful here. 2b. Ensure Compliance Compliance with relevant laws and regulations is fundamental. This could range from data protection laws to industry-specific regulations. 2c. Incident Management Despite your best efforts, security incidents can still occur. Having an incident response plan is a key element in managing the impact of any security events. This plan should tell team members how to respond to an incident. 3. Establish Cloud Data Protection Policies Create clear policies around data protection in the cloud . These should cover areas such as data classification, encryption, and access control. These policies should align with your organizational objectives and comply with relevant regulations. 3a. Data Classification You should categorize data based on its sensitivity and potential impact if breached. Typical classifications include public, internal, confidential, and restricted data. 3b. Data Encryption Encryption protects your data in the cloud and on-premises. It involves converting your data so it can only be read by those who possess the decryption key. Your policy should mandate the use of strong encryption for sensitive data. 3c. Access Control Each user should only have the access necessary to perform their job function and no more. Policies should include password policies and changes of workloads. 4. Set Identity and Access Management Rules 4a. User Identity Management Identity and Access Management tools ensure only the right people access your data. Using IAM rules is critical to controlling who has access to your cloud resources. These rules should be regularly updated. 4b. 2-Factor and Multi-Factor Authentication Two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) are useful tools. You reduce the risk by implementing 2FA or MFA, even if a password is compromised. 5. Set Data Sharing Restrictions 5a. Define Data Sharing Policies Define clear data-sharing permissions. These policies should align with the principles of least privilege and need-to-know basis. 5b. Implement Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Measures Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools can help enforce data-sharing policies. These tools monitor and control data movements in your cloud environment. 5c. Audit and Review Data Sharing Activities Regularly review and audit your data-sharing activities to ensure compliance. Audits help identify any inappropriate data sharing and provide insights for improvement. 6. Encrypt Sensitive Data Data encryption plays a pivotal role in safeguarding your sensitive information. It involves converting your data into a coded form that can only be read after it’s been decrypted. 6a. Protect Data at Rest This involves transforming data into a scrambled form while it’s in storage. It ensures that even if your storage is compromised, the data remains unintelligible. 6b. Data Encryption in Transit This ensures that your sensitive data remains secure while it’s being moved. This could be across the internet, over a network, or between components in a system. 6c. Key Management Managing your encryption keys is just as important as encrypting the data itself. Keys should be stored securely and rotated regularly. Additionally, consider using hardware security modules (HSMs) for key storage. 6d. Choose Strong Encryption Algorithms The strength of your encryption depends significantly on the algorithms you use. Choose well-established encryption algorithms. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) or RSA are solid algorithms. 7. Employ a Comprehensive Data Backup and Recovery Plan 7a. Establish a Regular Backup Schedule Install a regular backup schedule that fits your organization’s needs . The frequency of backups may depend on how often your data changes. 7b. Choose Suitable Backup Methods You can choose from backup methods such as snapshots, replication, or traditional backups. Each method has its own benefits and limitations. 7c. Implement a Data Recovery Strategy In addition to backing up your data, you need a solid strategy for restoring that data if a loss occurs. This includes determining recovery objectives. 7d. Test Your Backup and Recovery Plan Regular testing is crucial to ensuring your backup and recovery plan works. Test different scenarios, such as recovering a single file or a whole system. 7e. Secure Your Backups Backups can become cybercriminals’ targets, so they also need to be secured. This includes using encryption to protect backup data and implementing access controls. 8. Use Malware Protection Implementing robust malware protection measures is pivotal in data security. It’s important to maintain up-to-date malware protection and routinely scan your systems. 8a. Deploy Antimalware Software Deploy antimalware software across your cloud environment. This software can detect, quarantine, and eliminate malware threats. Ensure the software you select can protect against a wide range of malware. 8b. Regularly Update Malware Definitions Anti-malware relies on malware definitions. However, cybercriminals continuously create new malware variants, so these definitions become outdated quickly. Ensure your software is set to automatically update. 8c. Conduct Regular Malware Scans Schedule regular malware scans to identify and mitigate threats promptly. This includes full system scans and real-time scanning. 8d. Implement a Malware Response Plan Develop a comprehensive malware response plan to ensure you can address any threats. Train your staff on this plan to respond efficiently during a malware attack. 8e. Monitor for Anomalous Activity Continuously monitor your systems for any anomalous activity. Early detection can significantly reduce the potential damage caused by malware. 9. Create an Update and Patching Schedule 9a. Develop a Regular Patching Schedule Develop a consistent schedule for applying patches and updates to your cloud applications. For high-risk vulnerabilities, consider implementing patches as soon as they become available. 9b. Maintain an Inventory of Software and Systems You need an accurate inventory of all software and systems to manage updates and patches. This inventory should include the system version, last update, and any known vulnerabilities. 9c. Automation Where Possible Automating the patching process can help ensure that updates are applied consistently. Many cloud service providers offer tools or services that can automate patch management. 9d. Test Patches Before Deployment Test updates in a controlled environment to ensure work as intended. This is especially important for patches to critical systems. 9e. Stay Informed About New Vulnerabilities and Patches Keep abreast of new vulnerabilities and patches related to your software and systems. Being aware of the latest threats and solutions can help you respond faster. 9f. Update Security Tools and Configurations Don’t forget to update your cloud security tools and configurations regularly. As your cloud environment evolves, your security needs may change. 10. Regularly Assess Cloud Security 10a. Set up cloud security assessments and audits Establish a consistent schedule for conducting cybersecurity assessments and security audits. Audits are necessary to confirm that your security responsibilities align with your policies. These should examine configurations, security controls, data protection and incident response plans. 10b. Conduct Penetration Testing Penetration testing is a proactive approach to identifying vulnerabilities in your cloud environment. These are designed to uncover potential weaknesses before malicious actors do. 10c. Perform Risk Assessments These assessments should cover a variety of technical, procedural, and human risks. Use risk assessment results to prioritize your security efforts. 10d. Address Assessment Findings After conducting an assessment or audit, review the findings and take appropriate action. It’s essential to communicate any changes effectively to all relevant personnel. 10f. Maintain Documentation Keep thorough documentation of each assessment or audit. Include the scope, process, findings, and actions taken in response. 11. Set Up Security Monitoring and Logging 11a. Intrusion Detection Establish intrusion detection systems (IDS) to monitor your cloud environment. IDSs operate by recognizing patterns or anomalies that could indicate unauthorized intrusions. 11b. Network Firewall Firewalls are key components of network security. They serve as a barrier between secure internal network traffic and external networks. 11c. Security Logging Implement extensive security logging across your cloud environment. Logs record the events that occur within your systems. 11d. Automate Security Alerts Consider automating security alerts based on triggering events or anomalies in your logs. Automated alerts can ensure that your security team responds promptly. 11e. Implement Information Security and Event Management (SIEM) System A Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system can your cloud data. It can help identify patterns, security breaches, and generate alerts. It will give a holistic view of your security posture. 11f. Regular Review and Maintenance Regularly review your monitoring and logging practices to ensure they remain effective. as your cloud environment and the threat landscape evolve. 12. Adjust Cloud Security Policies as New Issues Emerge 12a. Regular Policy Reviews Establish a schedule for regular review of your cloud security policies. Regular inspections allow for timely updates to keep your policies effective and relevant. 12b. Reactive Policy Adjustments In response to emerging threats or incidents, it may be necessary to adjust on an as-needed basis. Reactive adjustments can help you respond to changes in the risk environment. 12c. Proactive Policy Adjustments Proactive policy adjustments involve anticipating future changes and modifying your policies accordingly. 12d. Stakeholder Engagement Engage relevant stakeholders in the policy review and adjustment process. This can include IT staff, security personnel, management, and even end-users. Different perspectives can provide valuable insights. 12e. Training and Communication It’s essential to communicate changes whenever you adjust your cloud security policies. Provide training if necessary to ensure everyone understands the updated policies. 12f. Documentation and Compliance Document any policy adjustments and ensure they are in line with regulatory requirements. Updated documentation can serve as a reference for future reviews and adjustments. Use a Cloud Security Checklist to Protect Your Data Today Cloud security is a process, and using a checklist can help manage risks. Solutions like AlgoSec Horizon ACE specialize in managing cloud security risks and misconfigurations, providing protection and ensuring compliance. Secure your cloud environment today and keep your data protected against threats. Schedule a demo Related Articles Q1 at AlgoSec: What innovations and milestones defined our start to 2026? AlgoSec Reviews Mar 19, 2023 · 2 min read 2025 in review: What innovations and milestones defined AlgoSec’s transformative year in 2025? AlgoSec Reviews Mar 19, 2023 · 2 min read Navigating Compliance in the Cloud AlgoSec Cloud Mar 19, 2023 · 2 min read Speak to one of our experts Speak to one of our experts Work email* First name* Last name* Company* country* Select country... Short answer* By submitting this form, I accept AlgoSec's privacy policy Schedule a call

Prediction over reaction WhitePaper Download PDF Download PDF Add a Title Add a Title Add a Title Schedule time with one of our experts Work email* First name* Last name* Company* country* Select country... Short answer* By submitting this form, I accept AlgoSec's privacy policy Continue

SANS Research: AI + Network Control WhitePaper Download PDF Download PDF Add a Title Add a Title Add a Title Schedule time with one of our experts Work email* First name* Last name* Company* country* Select country... Short answer* By submitting this form, I accept AlgoSec's privacy policy Continue

The predictive roadmap: Architecting Zero Trust for the hybrid reality WhitePaper Download PDF Download PDF Add a Title Add a Title Add a Title Schedule time with one of our experts Work email* First name* Last name* Company* country* Select country... Short answer* By submitting this form, I accept AlgoSec's privacy policy Continue

Webinars Beyond Connectivity: A Masterclass in Network Security with Meraki & AlgoSec Learn details of how to overcome common network security challenges, how to streamline your security management, and how to boost your security effectiveness with AlgoSec and Cisco Meraki’s enhanced integration. This webinar highlights real-world examples of organizations that have successfully implemented AlgoSec and Cisco Meraki solutions. January 18, 2024 Relevant resources Cisco Meraki – Visibility, Risk & Compliance Demo Watch Video 5 ways to enrich your Cisco security posture with AlgoSec Watch Video Choose a better way to manage your network Choose a better way to manage your network Work email* First name* Last name* Company* country* Select country... Short answer* By submitting this form, I accept AlgoSec's privacy policy Continue

Cloud and Hybrid Environments: The State of Security Download PDF Download PDF Add a Title Add a Title Add a Title Schedule time with one of our experts Work email* First name* Last name* Company* country* Select country... Short answer* By submitting this form, I accept AlgoSec's privacy policy Continue

Customer Success Manager Download PDF Download PDF Add a Title Add a Title Add a Title Schedule time with one of our experts Work email* First name* Last name* Company* country* Select country... Short answer* By submitting this form, I accept AlgoSec's privacy policy Continue

AlgoSec & Check Point AlgoSec seamlessly integrates with Check Points NGFWs to automate application and user aware security policy management and ensure that Check Points’ devices are properly configured. AlgoSec supports the entire security policy management lifecycle — from application connectivity discovery, through ongoing management and compliance, to rule recertification and secure decommissioning. Solution brief Cloudguard datasheet How to Check Point Regulatory compliance Learn how to prepare your Check Point devices for a regulatory audit Check Point Risk Assessment Learn how assess risk on your Check Point devices with AlgoSec Mapping your Network Visualize your complex network, including your Check Point devices, with a dynamic network topology map See how Check Point Users Can Benefit from AlgoSec Schedule time with one of our experts

Strategic playbook Download PDF Download PDF Add a Title Add a Title Add a Title Schedule time with one of our experts Work email* First name* Last name* Company* country* Select country... Short answer* By submitting this form, I accept AlgoSec's privacy policy Continue

Driving Security Through Observability: Transforming Application Risk into Resilience WhitePaper Download PDF Download PDF Add a Title Add a Title Add a Title Schedule time with one of our experts Work email* First name* Last name* Company* country* Select country... Short answer* By submitting this form, I accept AlgoSec's privacy policy Continue

Multi-Cloud Security Network Policy and Configuration Management Download PDF Download PDF Add a Title Add a Title Add a Title Schedule time with one of our experts Work email* First name* Last name* Company* country* Select country... Short answer* By submitting this form, I accept AlgoSec's privacy policy Continue